Cervical cancer is cancer that begins in the mouth of the uterus, the portion of the uterus that connects with the vagina. As with all cancers, cervical cancer is caused by abnormal cells. When these abnormal cells divide, the cancer spreads and the later the stage of the cancer, the greater the spread. It can spread to other reproductive organs and also to distant parts of the body.
Causes of cervical cancer
Most cervical cancers are caused by two strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). This is a sexually transmitted infection and, in most cases, it does not lead to cancer. The immune system successfully fights the virus. In some people, the virus survives the attack by the immune system and may linger in the cervix for very long periods, sometimes years, leading to formation of abnormal cells. These abnormal cells do not cause cancer in most people, but in some, these pre-cancerous cells develop to form cervical cancer.
Symptoms of cervical cancer
There are generally no symptoms in the early stage
Advanced stages can present symptoms such as
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding (after intercourse, after menopause, between periods)
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Pain during intercourse
- Pelvic pain
Risk factors of cervical cancer
- Family history of cervical cancer
- Multiple sex partners
- Early sexual experience
- Multiple pregnancies
- Weak immunity
- Other sexually transmitted diseases
- Smoking
Some of these risk factors are in your control. Take steps to reduce the risk of infection to lower the risk of cervical cancer.
Important facts about cervical cancer
Most cervical cancers are caused by HPV.
Cervical cancer takes a very long time to develop. The process of development of abnormal cells and the development of abnormal cells into cancerous cells takes years.
Cervical cancer can be prevented by detecting and treating pre-cancerous cells.
The pre-cancerous cells do not cause any symptoms.
Prevention of Cervical Cancer
Screening is the most effective method to prevent cervical cancer. Screening can detect abnormal cells before they become cancerous. Treatment at this stage will completely prevent development of cervical cancer. There are two screening tests available.
Pap Test
A pap test is the evaluation of cells taken from the cervix to check for cancer cells and abnormal cells that could develop into cancer.
HPV Test
This test checks for HPV infection and the type of HPV present in the cervix to detect if they are cancer causing viruses.
A pap test should be done once every 3 years, but if it is combined with an HPV Test then it can be done once every 5 years.
HPV Vaccine
HPV vaccination will give you immunity against two strains of viruses that cause cervical cancer.
You can beat cervical cancer by reducing the risk factors that can be reduced, getting a vaccine to prevent HPV infection and getting regular screenings for early detection. With early detection and treatment, cervical cancer can be prevented.
